Victor Ezeji: Six home based players in the Super Eagles should transform the Nigeria Premier League

By Emeka Nwani

The Sharks forward says that the recognition of the home based players in the Super Eagles should make all stakeholders work to make the NPL better

Sharks striker Victor Ezeji has told Goal.com that the recognition given the Nigeria Premier League with the six home based players in the Super Eagles should raise the standard of the game in the country.

Ezeji who scored five goals last season noted that the League in Nigeria may never have the chance to correct the mistakes of the past if they fail to take advantage of what is happening with the boys in the Super Eagles camp.

Stephen Keshi named six home based players in the final list that will represent Nigeria at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

Chigozie Agbim, Ejike Uzoenyi, Godfrey Oboabuna, Reuben Gabriel and Sunday Mba were included in the Super Eagles team that will travel to South Africa on January 16th.

"My joy knew no bounds when I heard six players from the Nigeria Premier League have been selected for the Cup of Nations.

"It shows there is something the technical crew has seen in the home based players that they like. This is where the people currently in charge of the Premier League should sit down to utilise the opportunity by doing their best to correct the mistakes of the past.

"This is the best time for the authorities in charge to come together and do something before the Nigeria Premier league goes into extinction.

"So much is happening and if all concerned don't do something fast, there will be real problem. What other opportunity do we need to make sure that things are done right with six of our ambassadors in the Super Eagles squad.

"Players must be respected. They must be paid as and when due. I believe in the League transforming to be one of the best in the world.

"Imagine the six players coming back to join their teams and they still go through hell because they want to get their money.

"The last time we witnessed home based doing well with the national team was when Clemens Westerhoff was in charge of the Super Eagles.

"The clubs must be run properly and there is no time like we have right now to make sure that good preparation is put in place before the Premier League starts on February 16th," Ezeji said.